Open House to Discuss Effects of Flood Risk Impact for Grays Harbor County

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently finished a study along the Black River, Chehalis River, and Satsop River in the Lower Chehalis Watershed. Grays Harbor County is holding an Open House for residents to see and talk about the flood map from this study.

On March 20, 2019, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, property owners and community residents are invited to discuss the potential impacts of and provide feedback on the proposed community flood map revisions. The Open House will be held on the first floor of the Grays Harbor County Administration Building located at 100 W. Broadway, in Montesano.

FEMA’s preliminary maps identify the areas that have a 1-percent chance of flooding in any year. This will help residents and county staff find areas with a risk of serious flooding. Once the new flood maps have been adopted, they will dictate flood insurance prices for federally-backed mortgages. Information from these maps will also be used to inform hazard mitigation plans and land use and development decisions.

At the Open House, property owners and community residents will have the opportunity to learn about the flood mapping process and what the changes mean for them. Residents will also have the opportunity to ask questions about how the map revision will impact their property and community.

Grays Harbor County encourages people to attend the Open House. To avoid standing in line that day, preview the map at https://arcg.is/0zT09L, or get a custom flood map from the Grays Harbor County Planning Division by emailing: [email protected] or calling 360-249-4222 and ask for a Planner.

If you can’t attend the Open House, you can send questions to the Grays Harbor Planning Division at 100 W. Broadway, Montesano, WA 98563 or via email to [email protected] including your name, address, parcel number (if available), mailing address (if it is different), email address, and phone number.

Flooding is the most common and most expensive natural disaster in the United States. Statistics show that the high-risk areas on flood maps have a 26-percent chance of being flooded at some point during a 30-year mortgage. In comparison, most homes have only a 9-percent chance of being damaged by fire.

News Director of Jodesha Broadcasting since October 2007.
Dave Haviland moved to Grays Harbor in 1979 and graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1993, and is proudly attending Grays Harbor College with his children.